George Francis Gates III

Sep 4, 1941 -

Sep 16, 2022

George Francis Gates III departed this earth to fly to a higher place on Sept. 16, 2022.

He was the first of three sons born to George and Virginia Gates in Oceanside, Calif. He moved numerous times, before graduating high school in Pennsylvania. In 1964, he graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado pursuing engineering and pre-med.

George met Jill Bostwick at a party, and they married in Estes Park, Colo. They started a family, welcoming Virginia Leone, "Ginny," while stationed in Texas. The following year they were Alabama bound for medical school, where sons George Arthur and Dean Travis were born prior to moving to Denver, Colo., for an internship. After completing residency in orthopaedics in San Antonio, Texas, he selected Elmendorf AFB, Alaska, where he also became a recreational "Bush Pilot." In 1978, George separated from the Air Force and relocated his family to a remote cabin for an Alaska "living off the grid" adventure. It was there that George delivered Bridget Brooke.

The family returned to Anchorage and George established his orthopaedic practice at Providence. He believed in the science and "art" of medicine. George was known for taking time to listen, and was meticulous in diagnosis and treatment. He led clinics in Homer, Alaska, and spent five years at the Veteran Affairs Clinic before retiring in 2009. George genuinely enjoyed serving others through medical care; and loved hunting, fishing, nature and athletics.

George passed away peacefully at home, at age 81. He was preceded in death by his youngest brother, Craig Gates.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Jill; children, Ginny (Joseph Burt), George, Dean and Bridget McBride (Patrick McBride); five grandchildren, Jadon, Nora, Molly, Riley and Declan; and brother, William Gates.

Celebration of Life will be held on Oct. 16, 2022, at 3 p.m., at the Alaska Airmen's Association.